"Are you sure you want to take this path?"
Antonio looked at Gabriel with a hint of helplessness, surprised by his son's determination.
"You know, I once dreamed of becoming a Champion too. But that path was too difficult. I spent two or three years trying, yet I achieved nothing—not even earning a Trainer's License. That's why I chose to become a businessman instead, and that's how Infinite Pokéblock Corporation came to be today."
Oh, so Dad had a past like that too.
"I believe in myself and Little Mu! We have the talent for battling, and I'm sure we can become Champion Trainers!"
Though Gabriel spoke with conviction, Antonio couldn't help but feel uneasy as a father.
"I know you won't believe me no matter what I say. How about this, Dad: I'll participate in this year's Trainer Exam. If I pass, it'll prove that I have the talent. At that point, you won't stop me anymore, right?"
Antonio shook his head with a resigned smile. Having taken the Trainer Exam himself, he knew just how rigorous it was.
"If you really earn your Trainer License, I won't stop you. After all, you're grown up now. The path you choose is yours to walk."
Nearby, Jarvie looked at Antonio with concern.
"Dear, do you think this is really a good idea? Being a Trainer is so tough. I'm worried that Gabriel won't be able to handle it."
Gabriel smiled reassuringly at his mother.
"Mom, you don't have to worry. Your son is plenty strong!"
After much persuasion, Gabriel finally convinced his parents to let him prove himself by taking the Trainer Exam.
Antonio sighed regretfully.
"I was hoping you'd take over the family business. Who knew you'd choose to walk the Trainer's path instead?"
Take over the family business? Wait, our family owns a major corporation! If I inherit the business, I'd never have to worry about food or money for the rest of my life!
Suddenly, not working hard seems really appealing!
"No, no! I'm destined to become a Champion Trainer. How could I give up and go back to inherit the business?"
With his resolve strengthened, Gabriel doubled down on training Little Mu. Beside him, Farfetch'd watched Little Mu's progress intently.
This Dratini is so strong! If I had this kind of power, I wouldn't have ended up as someone's dinner.
Finally, the day of the Trainer Exam arrived. Aspiring Trainers from all over Jindu gathered at the Trainer Association's headquarters. Here, they would compete, with the top 128 being awarded Trainer Licenses.
The top 50 candidates would also gain admission to Jindu Academy for advanced training.
Yes, this world has Monster academies, and those who graduate from them often become elite Trainers. Every Gym Leader has come from such an academy. To achieve his dream of becoming a Champion Trainer, Gabriel needed to place in the top 50 and become an elite Trainer.
But Gabriel's ambitions didn't stop there—he wanted to win the entire competition. There could be no blemishes on his path to the Championship!
"Little Mu, are you ready? Our journey to the Championship starts here!"
"Mu!" (I'm ready!)
While Gabriel brimmed with confidence, standing nearby, Elle observed silently. She understood Gabriel's capabilities well. With Little Mu, making it to the top 50 shouldn't be a problem. But becoming the champion… that would be much harder.
In Elle's arms, Farfetch'd also watched Little Mu closely. As a Pokémon who had narrowly escaped death, Farfetch'd's desire for strength was even greater than Little Mu's. Witnessing Little Mu's strength inspired him even more.
"Gabriel ? You're here too?"
Phoebe had also arrived, accompanied by her younger siblings, Brafiel and Rafael.
"Are you taking the Trainer Exam too?"
"Of course, Sister Phoebe."
"I figured you'd come. But your Dratini is no match for my Growlithe. I'm going to be the Champion!"
Rafael suddenly stepped forward, puffing out his chest as he looked at Gabriel smugly. Behind him, his Growlithe mimicked his proud demeanor.
"My Little Mu has never lost to your Growlithe. This time, we won't go down so easily. Be careful, or you'll be the one getting beaten!"
No one backs down from trash talk before a competition!
Phoebe chuckled at the playful banter between Rafael and Gabriel. She had seen Little Mu's growth firsthand. The Dratini was more than ready for the exam, though defeating her Growlithe would still be a challenge.
After registering for the exam under Phoebe's guidance, Gabriel surveyed the crowd of over a hundred participants in the Trainer Association's plaza. Confidence surged through him.
Inside the Trainer Association, Phoebe didn't stay with Gabriel but instead made her way to the judges' panel.
"Well, well, looks like it's you overseeing this year's Trainer Exam. Jindu University must be feeling the pressure," an elderly man with graying hair remarked, his expression one of reluctance.
"What brings you here, old man Mark? I thought you didn't want to see me."
"Why would I want to see you? But this time, my nephew is competing, so of course, I'm here to watch."
Mark's eyes lit up with interest.
"Your nephew? He must be strong. Will he be joining Jindu Academy?"
Phoebe rolled her eyes and waved dismissively.
"Don't get any ideas. Rafael's joining the police academy—that's what his parents decided for him. He's only here for the exam."
Mark's enthusiasm deflated instantly.
"Ah, all the talent's leaving. I just hope we get some good recruits this time. The academy's been at the bottom of the rankings for three years now. Any more, and it'll be a real embarrassment."
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